The Koh Rang islands consists of a group of 12 islands to the south of Koh Chang and the west of Koh Mak.

Koh Rang

The namesake and largest island of the group, Koh Rang, is one of the most popular of the outlying islands of the Mu Koh Chang National Park. At Ao Cho Bay, one of the best beaches on the island, there is a ranger station at Ao Cho Bay. It is possible to have a meal, camp overnight or stay in the national park’s bungalows.

The waters around the island are crystal clear which makes it a popular spot for snorkel tours and dive boats. Another reason for Koh Rang’s popularity is the a number of excellent beaches on Koh Rang - the two most popular being at Ao Chao and San Chao.

Koh Tun

Koh Tun, also known as Koh Rang Lek, is the second largest island in the group and sits about half a kilometre off Koh Rang’s southern tip. The island is devoid of beaches and is rarely visited.

Koh Mapring – East of Koh Rang Island

There are five Koh Maprings [link Koh Mapring blog] and three in the Koph Rang group. All rather confusing, but this is the smallest and is situated to the west of Koh Rang.

The island is totally insignificant and except for sailors wishing to avoid tour boats, it is a quiet spot with adequate snorkelling. There is a mooring buoy on the east side of the island.

Koh Klang

The middle of the three islands located to the west of Koh Rang. Nothing much of note on Koh Klang.

Koh Thian –West of Koh Rang

The largest and most northerly of the three islands to the west of Koh Chang

Koh Mapring – North of Koh Rang Island

This island is a small, vegetation-covered rocky outcrop which is off the tour roster and a quieter spot for sailors and boat owners.

Koh Thian – North of Koh Rang

The second island named Koh Thian lies to the northwest of the main island. Koh Thian is really little more than a rocky outcrop, home to a few scrawny trees and some shrubs, but it is not above the water where the attractions lie.

Koh Kra

A picture postcard deserted tropical island paradise, Koh Kra is one of the gems of all the islands surrounding Koh Chang. To the north of the islands are some of the prime dive spots and to the south above the water is an outstanding white sand beach.

However as noted above the island is currently off limits to allow the coral to recover.

Koh Thong Lang

Koh Thong Lang is nothing to look at, but another fabulous spot for enjoying the marine life of the coral reef.

The waters surrounding Koh Thong Lang is currently closed to tourists.

Koh Laun

Koh Laun, also known as Koh Yak Lek, is a popular dive and snorkel spot on the east of Koh Rang. The waters around Koh Laun and its bigger neighbour Koh Yak have become very crowded since the closure of dive spots around Koh Thian.

Above the water the island has no special features and its name in Thai means ‘bald’ island in reference to the sparse vegetation.

Koh Yak

The biggest of the islands of the east of Koh Rang, but no outstanding features. It is a popular dive spot.

Koh Mapring

The last of Koh Rang’s three Koh Maprings.

This Koh Mapring lies off the southern coast of Koh Rang, about 100 metres offshore. It is an excellent snorkelling spot and as such, is a great favourite of tour companies. For that reason, unless you enjoy crowded waters it is best for sailors to avoid.

A Sailing Guide to Koh Rang Islands

The Koh Rang islands are definitely worth the trip for sailors and boat owners visiting Koh Chang. Generally, the waters in this part of the Mu Koh Chang archipelago are excellent if you want to snorkel or dive.

Bear in mind that three of the islands are currently closed and you risk the wrath of the park authorities if they catch you loitering in the area.